Northern Leaders’ Debate Has Two Participants

Tim Hudak is doing another Town Hall in Southern Ontario, and will not be participating. Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak will be at a Town Hall in Peterbourgh. That town hall meeting was the previously set event that the Progressive Conservatives put ahead of the Northern Debate.

Andrea Horwath will be at an event at 9:00AM at Oliver Road Community Center.

Premier Wynne unveiled the Liberal Platform on Sunday Afternoon in Thunder Bay and will be at the Valhalla for the debate.

“Northern Ontario has vast economic potential that comes with a unique set of opportunities and challenges. Northerners deserve to hear from the leaders of all three parties on their plans to tackle the issues that matter to them the most.

“Tim Hudak claimed in 2011 that debating northern issues was critical, but by his actions today, he clearly didn’t mean it.

“The PCs and the NDP have already rejected a Liberal Plan that included a $1 billion investment in infrastructure in the Ring of Fire. Now, Northerners have serious questions about the reckless cuts Hudak is threatening, like firing 100,000 people including frontline workers across the North.

“Tim Hudak owes it to the people of Northern Ontario to face them directly.”

The PC Camp is stating that the leader had already planned a big event for Monday, but no one from the Progressive Conservatives will say what that event is.

Northern Leaders Debate a Go for Liberals

THUNDER BAY - The debate is on. Kathleen Wynne has stepped up and honoured her challenge to Tim Hudak and Andrea Horwath on a Northern Leader’s Debate.

Ontario Liberal leader Kathleen Wynne has confirmed her participation in the Northern Leaders’ Debate on Monday, May 26th. The Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association (NOMA) will host the debate in Thunder Bay.

“I am pleased to hear that there will be a leader’s debate in Thunder Bay. This reaffirms the Liberal party’s commitment to Northern Ontario. We have a strong plan for the North and I am confident that this forum will clearly demonstrate our commitment and highlight what matters most to Northerners,” added Bill Mauro Liberal candidate Thunder Bay – Atikokan.

Wynne was first to call for a debate specifically focused on Northern issues and put forward a direct challenge to the PC and NDP leaders while attending NOMA’s annual conference in Fort Frances on April 24th, 2014.

“Challenge Made Me Giggle” – Horwath

“I’ve been clear from the start of this campaign that the people of Ontario deserve a real debate between party leaders about their plans for Ontario families – especially in the North. In the last campaign the Liberals refused to join the debate and defend their record on Northern issues. If they’re now willing to debate Northern issues, I look forward to the debate.”
The news made NDP leader Andrea Howath “Giggle” when she heard the challenge.

In the 2014 Liberal budget, Kathleen Wynne’s Liberals committed to:

A $1 billion investment to build vital transportation infrastructure for the Ring of Fire

A new $2.5 billion Jobs and Prosperity Fund to attract new investment and create jobs
$29 billion in dedicated funds to build new roads, bridges and transit

$500 million to support the Northern Highways Program and continued 4-laning of our highways

$100 million to support the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund and continued job creation

The Liberals say, in a statement, “Andrea Horwath’s NDP put Ontario’s economic recovery at risk when they chose not to support a budget that would have made important investments in Northern Ontario”.

“The Hudak PC proposal to slash 100,000 jobs would put Ontario’s economy at risk and plunge the province back into recession. Fewer people at work means less money invested back into the economy, leading to thousands of layoffs,” according to the Liberals.

Michael Gravelle Liberal candidate Thunder Bay – Superior North concludes, “Kathleen Wynne has shown great leadership in her commitment to Northern Ontario. She held her first cabinet meeting in the North and has kept Northern issues front and centre ever since. The best way to continue this work is by talking about what matters most in Northern communities – the Northern debate is a great way to have that discussion. We have a strong plan for creating jobs and growing the Northern economy and we look forward to putting that up against the other two leaders.”

Depending on the polls, the Liberals are either leading the election, at least according to the latest Ekos Poll, or way behind as the Ipso Reid Poll has it. The only poll that really matters will be on election day.

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DURHAM, ONT. – Only the PC Party will create 120,000 new jobs by making Ontario the lowest tax jurisdiction in North America for job creation, said Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak today, as he was joined by Durham Candidate Mike Patrick.

“High taxes are driving jobs out of Ontario,” said Hudak during a visit to a Durham-area manufacturing company. “High taxes mean more jobs they won’t create or keep. That’s why our Million Jobs Plan will replace corporate welfare with fair and lower taxes to create jobs and get Ontario working better.”

Hudak promised to end what he called “Crony Capitalism” and “Corporate Welfare”.

The PC leader says that “It is hard to take the NDP seriously, I would take them serious if they had a serious plan”.

Hudak said that the McGuinty-Wynne Liberals play favorites and hand out hundreds of millions of dollars to the biggest companies just because they have the best Liberal lobbyist. “My message to employers is clear,” Hudak said. “I am going to take Ontario out of the crony capitalism business.”

Our Million Jobs Plan will create 120,000 jobs over the next eight years by reducing the tax burden on employers by 30 per cent – making them the lowest in North America.

“I’m for more businesses, paying less tax and hiring more workers,” said Hudak. “My opponents are for fewer businesses, paying more tax, which means hiring fewer workers,” said Hudak. “More businesses starting and growing here in Ontario means more jobs. It’s that simple.”

Tim Hudak Promised to End ‘Crony Capitalism’ in Ontario

Kathleen Wynne Asks if Andrea Horwath is ‘For Real?’

TORONTO – POLITICS – “The reckless actions of Andrea Horwath’s NDP just don’t make any sense. Why have the NDP plunged Ontario into an election over our plan to create jobs, build transit and secure pensions if they have no plan of their own to offer voters? Ontarians have every right to ask: Is Andrea Horwath for real?”, states Charles Sousa, Ontario’s Finance Minister, and candidate for Mississauga South.

The Ontario Liberals have spent the first days of the campaign targeting the federal Conservatives. Now they are taking aim at Andrea Horwath and the New Democrats. The news comes as an Ipsos Reid Pollshows the latest poll numbers.

The Liberals say, “Today is the fourth day of a provincial election triggered by Andrea Horwath and the NDP when they rejected the 2014 Budget”.

Premier Kathleen Wynne addresses Toronto Board of Trade

Liberal Finance Minister and candidate for Mississauga South Charles Sousa showcased an ad in which Premier Kathleen Wynne questions the NDP’s decision to put her clear plan to support families and create jobs at risk.

In accordance with election rules, the commercial will not run in any paid media until midnight on May 21, when the Elections Ontario advertising blackout ends. Until then, the ad is on Youtube, where people can view the “sneak preview” of the ad according to a press release from the Liberal campaign team.

The ad highlights the job-creating initiatives, supports for families, and transit projects contained in the 2014 Budget that Andrea Horwath and the NDP rejected, including:

Help for families with an indexed increase to the Ontario Child Benefit.

Creating the Ontario Retirement Pension Plan to give people the comfortable, secure retirement they deserve

An achievable plan to invest in roads, bridges and transit to make everyday life easier and grow the economy.

A 2.5 billion dollar plan to create new jobs by partnering with business.

The Liberals, in a statement say, “The hasty, behind-closed-doors decision by Andrea Horwath and the NDP to plunge Ontario into an election means the Liberal Budget and Premier Kathleen Wynne’s clear, achievable plan for jobs, transit and secure pensions is on hold. Andrea Horwath’s decision not to support the Budget and force this election is particularly puzzling given that the NDP have no realistic plan of their own. The reckless actions of Andrea Horwath’s NDP just don’t make any sense”.

Premier Kathleen Wynne Speaks on Mandela

Premier Kathleen Wynne “Education is the most powerful weapon…”

QUEENS PARK – Premier Kathleen Wynne made the following statement to the Legislative Assembly today to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela:

There are some people whose contributions to humanity transcend borders and so when they die, the loss touches us all.

I am honoured today to join with all parties of the legislature to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela.

There are few individuals who have done more to inspire the world, and like everyone in this room, I was deeply saddened to learn of his death last week.

As a student of history and a huge believer in the power of the human spirit, I know his life will continue to serve as a beacon for change, throughout South Africa, here in Ontario, and around the world.

It is difficult to find new ways to talk about this man, or the things he meant to us, individually.

But I find myself returning again and again to the fact that he spent 27 years locked away in prison.

This punishment – as unjust and inhumane as it was – did not break him.

A Testament to His Spirit

It is a testament to his spirit – to the human spirit – that he did not allow himself to be taken over by anger.

And so he was able to make that long walk to freedom with his heart empty of hate and his mind free of bitterness or resentment.

As he said afterward, he understood that you cannot drink poison and expect it to kill your enemies.

And so, after these trials, this imprisonment, he went on to do more good than any one man or woman could dare to imagine.

The first democratically elected president in South Africa. The winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. A face, a voice, a force and a story that made people believe that the world could be good.

He famously said that “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

And so it is no surprise that his visits here often focused on our schools, and the students and teachers he met there.

In June 1990, on his first visit to Canada, he addressed a large number of students from across the GTA at Central Tech.

In 1998, more than 45,000 students and their teachers filled what was then known as the Skydome to hear him tell the story of his life and describe the South African struggle for freedom and justice.

And during his last visit to Canada, on November 17, 2001, he was present for the official naming of Nelson Mandela Park Public School, which was rechristened in his honour.

Last Thursday, parents and teachers from this school were already scheduled to attend the North American premiere of a film about Mandela’s life, and when he died that same evening and news of his death spread, the event turned into a very special tribute.

Many of the students who were there that night described Nelson Mandela as a man who never gave up.

It was his resilience, his determination and commitment to justice that inspired them.

That is what the world expects from its leaders.

And so I was struck, Mr. Speaker, by a comment made by the Principal of Nelson Mandela Park Public School, Mr. Jason Kandankery.

He said, “In these times of political upheaval and political leaders who unfortunately far too often lack integrity, we bear the name of the man who was all about integrity.”

And so I stand today, Mr. Speaker, because Nelson Mandela’s legacy of fairness should serve as a challenge to us all.

Ontario is truly a beacon of acceptance, tolerance, opportunity and equality in the world, and we will work together to ensure it remains worthy of a school that bears his name.

In 2001, he told students here in Toronto that they were future leaders, and that violence and hatred had no place in a free and democratic society.

At that time, the school began a tradition that exists to this day.

Each school day begins with the reading of a quote by Mr. Mandela that reflects his philosophy and reminds the students what they can hope to accomplish.

And so Mr. Speaker, I would like to conclude by bringing this tradition to this chamber, today.

The world is better for his presence, and on behalf of the people of Ontario, we mourn his loss.

Thank you.

Premier Kathleen Wynne

THUNDER BAY – Politics – Banning the burning of coal is a legislative goal on Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. The announcement a few weeks ago to convert the Thunder Bay Generating Plant to enhanced bio-mass made by Thunder Bay Atikokan MPP Bill Mauro and Minister of Northern Development and Mines, Michael Gravelle were the final steps toward a meeting between the Premier and former United States Vice President Al Gore.

The Thunder Bay Ontario Power Generating Station was slated to be converted to natural gas, that plan was shelved two years ago. The move to enhanced bio-mass was released at a media conference at the Airlane Hotel has received positive reviews from the two local MPPs.

Concerns over the details on the announcement remain to be released.

Al Gore is excited over the announcement by Ontario Premier Wynne to enact legislation banning the burning of coal in Ontario.

Al Gore Salutes Coal Ban Announcement

The trip to Ontario by Al Gore representing Climate Reality was to bolster the efforts promised by the Ontario Liberals. “To solve the climate crisis, we need people, provinces and countries to show the way forward towards a coal-free, sustainable future. Ontario has distinguished itself as a leader in Canada and around the world,” said former U.S. Vice-President Gore. “It is heartening to see the tremendous progress that has been made here and it is my hope that others will quickly follow suit,” stated Gore demonstrating an enthusiasm like an evangelist in full flight.

Wynne Government Under Fire Over Manufacturing Job Losses

The meeting between Premier Kathleen Wynne and Al Gore is being panned by the Opposition. Tim Hudak states, “You blew the Cliffs deal. This chance—it could have been what the oils sands are to Alberta. You fumbled the ball. We lost those jobs. That investment will go elsewhere.

Hudak charges, “The very same day that Cliffs walked away from the table—they said high energy rates are part of that equation; Heinz, high energy rates—you spent your time hugging it up with Al Gore, the very policies that drove hydro rates through the roof in the first place”.

Questioning the Premier in the Ontario Legislature, Hudak asked, “Don’t you think, considering the impact of hydro on jobs, that was a poke in the eye? Wasn’t that salt in the wounds? Wasn’t it an extraordinary misjudgment to embrace the high-energy policies that are driving jobs out of our province?”

Premier Wynne responded, “I care deeply about people losing their jobs. I care deeply about bringing jobs to Ontario. I care deeply about working with businesses, but not to sacrifice our children’s health. There is no place for policies in this province that would sacrifice children to the economy.”

TORONTO – Premier Kathleen Wynne released the following statement regarding the ongoing situation in the City of Toronto:

“As I have said from day one, we have been watching this situation closely and listening carefully. Events obviously continue to move quickly. The things we are seeing and hearing about Mayor Rob Ford are truly disturbing. Yesterday, City Council voted to request the mayor take a leave of absence.

As Premier of Ontario, the principles that are guiding me on this issue are as follows:

One, the City of Toronto has a mayor and council that were elected by the residents of Toronto and must be accountable to them. It is up to the municipal level of government to address the issues they face. It is not the provincial government’s role, nor its intention to impose its preferences upon that government.

Three, if council were to clearly indicate that they lack the ability to function as a result of this matter, the province would respond to a request from council to be provided new tools, depending on what that request might be.

Four, because of the extraordinary and unique nature of this type of intervention, I would consult with the other party leaders to see if our legislature could move unanimously if required.

The last thing this terrible situation needs is a layer of partisan politics. Within Ontario’s legislature and across this city, we all have to stand together to represent the best interests of the people.

At every level, your government is here to serve you.

Toronto is a great city in an amazing province. We have a proud history and a bright future.

Toronto is greater than one politician or one government. Ontario is greater than one politician or one government.

I understand that people are affected by what is happening at this moment.

But I want the people of Toronto to know that we will not be defined by this.

And we will all work together to ensure the people’s interests are served.”

TORONTO – Opinion - I walked straight up to Rob Ford today in front of several media members and asked: “Mr. Ford: Can you explain to me why an Aboriginal person was arrested for bearing a flag at the Remembrance day ceremony while you, Sir, were not after admitting to possession of an illegal substance?”.

I did not wait around for his answer.

Did they expect anything less when they were requesting the removal of a flag?

Is it disruptive to carry a flag?

Give me a break this is disgusting. Can you imagine for a moment the Canadian flag being on the ground — and being put there by a police officer on this day of all days?

All the while our Mayor admitted to a criminal act.

[sws_pullquote_right] The police choosing to arrest an individual at that same ceremony which the police claim he ‘disrupted’ via waving of an Indigenous flag standing by while Rob Ford has not been charged for the act which he admitted: I just find what happened that day terribly disturbing. [/sws_pullquote_right] This was likely the most embarrassing and disturbing moment I have seen on a day such as this: Constable Wendy Drumming the only one causing a disruption was your fellow officers and I hope the community files a formal complaint in relation to this arrest against the officers involved.

The day prior he admitted to using crack cocaine and it was his first public appearance after that admission: an admission of an illegal act.

The police choosing to arrest an individual at that same ceremony which the police claim he ‘disrupted’ via waving of an Indigenous flag standing by while Rob Ford has not been charged for the act which he admitted: I just find what happened that day terribly disturbing.

This individual was disrespected as he was while Rob Ford, their boss, — watched the Iroquois flag placed on the ground on Remembrance Day and stood free: I view this as an affront to every person who is represented by that flag who is a veteran.

I am an adopted person.

The irony is I find it an insult not only to my Birth Grandfather who was Maliseet and a veteran, his wife who he met in the war and served in the British Forces, but also to my Mother’s Grandfather a non- Indigenous Canadian who also served from Canada.

Who is this man to walk free, to witness the arrest of a person bearing a flag, one of many that make up the fabric of this Country, and to follow this up by selling bobble heads of himself?

I support treatment of people with addictions. I have compassion for them.

Regardless someone of that position, ruling over the police, should absolutely be removed from office in light of his admissions for the purpose of the respect of the Institution, and in particular due to his role over riding the Toronto Police :Kathleen Wynne needs to act

Ontario Liberals Holding On to Slim Lead

TORONTO – Politics – The Ontario Liberals are holding onto a lead in the latest poll by Ipsos Reid. However the results show that the New Democrats are gaining support at the expense of the Progressive Conservatives. The lead however is not huge. Factoring in the margin of error, the Liberals are up one point in the latest poll.

“With the volume turned down on the gas-plant scandal amid a deafening chorus of coverage of both the federal Senate scandal and Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s antics, a new Ipsos Reid poll of provincial voting intentions, conducted for CTV News/CP24/CFRB Newstalk 1010 reveals that Premier Kathleen Wynne’s Liberals are holding the lead and have slightly improved on their bid for re-election, but the NDP led by Andrea Horwath are on the move, tightening the three-way race,” according to a release from Ipsos Reid.

If an election were held tomorrow, Premier Wynne’s Liberal party would receive 34% of the vote among decided voters, unchanged since May. Support for Time Hudak’s Progressive Conservatives has eased to 31% (down 3 points), while Andrea Horwath’s NDP have made serious gains and also sit at 31% of the vote (up 5 points). One in twenty (5%) Ontarians would vote for some other party (unchanged).

Many Ontario Voters Still Undecided

The tight province-wide race is made even closer by the relatively high proportion of undecided voters, which currently sits at 18% of Ontarians, meaning that it’s still anybody’s game. However, in the most-populous part of the province, the GTA, the Liberals (38%) and NDP (35%) lead the lagging Tories (23%).

Examining the results among the 46% of Ontarians who say that ‘nothing short of an emergency’ could stop them from getting out to the voting booth and casting their vote in the next election, it appears that Tory voters are by far the most committed to get out and vote at this stage in the game. The PC vote rises to 38%, followed by the Liberals who soften to 31% and the NDP who also soften to 27%.

While the turnout figures don’t much help the NDP, they are buoyed by the fact that 20% of Ontarians would choose them as the party they would support second, well ahead of the proportion who says the same about the Tories (12%) or Grits (12%). In particular, among Liberal voters, 50% of them would choose the NDP second, compared to just 21% who would vote PC second.

Keeping the Liberals optimistic, nearly four in ten (37%) say that the ‘Wynne government has done a good job and deserves re-election’, up 1 point since May. This figure, which often closely mirrors the percentage of popular vote for the incumbent on Election Day, should keep the Liberals competitive. Conversely, six in ten (63%) believe ‘it’s time for another provincial party to take over’, down 1 point.

On the issue of who would make the best Premier of Ontario, the three major-party leaders are tangled up in nearly a three-way tie. Kathleen Wynne is selected as the best Premier by 33% of Ontarians (no change), followed closely by 29% who say Horwath would make the best Premier (no change), and Hudak is close behind (28%, down 3 points). Just 10% believe Mike Schreiner would make the best Premier of Ontario (up 3 points).